Shortly before adjournment of the one-week term of Guilford Superior court Friday afternoon Judge W.F. Harding of Charlotte, presiding, sentenced Claude Schoolfield to seven years in the state penitentiary for obtaining $10,000 from the American Exchange National bank, this city, on April 12, by means of a check which he was convicted of forging.
Motion of Judge R.C. Strudwick and Judge S.B. Adams, attorneys for the defendant, for setting aside the verdict was denied and their request for a new trial also was unsuccessful. By consent, however, Schoolfield’s lawyers were allowed 30 days in which to file an appeal to North Carolina Supreme court should they decide to do so.
The maximum penalty prescribed by law for the crime of which Claude Schoolfield was convicted is 10 years in state prison, said Judge Harding, adding, “I’m not going to give him the maximum—I think it should be reserved for some case worse than this.” The judge declared, “This has been the boldest forgery that I have ever heard of or read of. It is, however, very evident to me that the defendant is not the only person involved. If the defendant is not guilty, he is in a very sad, sad situation. If he is guilty, he is guilty of two crimes, one as bad as the other, forgery and perjury.”
Some Shrewder Person
Continuing, Judge Harding expressed the conviction that “the other man,” Clarence Schoolfield, was not guilty. “He was acquitted and I am glad of it, glad for his parents. It may be that this defendant was led into this forgery by some older person, some shrewder person, who laid the foundation for the plan. I am sorry for him, sorry for his mother, father and other members of the family.”
Claude Schoolfield, whose home is at White Oak, received the verdict without sign or emption. He was again placed in the county jail.
The money obtained through the forgery has not been recovered.
Royal Oakes Guilty of Manslaughter
The jury returned a verdict of guilty Saturday against Royal Oakes, High Point negro, who was tried for manslaughter. The defendant was convicted of shooting and killing Henry Johnson, a boarder at his home. Judge Harding sentenced Oakes to two years on the county roads.
Attorneys for the defendant contended that he shot Johnson in an effort to protect his (Oakes’) wife. It is claimed that Johnson had tried to strike Oakes’ wife with a frying pan. Testimony was presented to show that Oakes fired two shots, both taking effect, causing the instant death of Johnson, the shots having been fired from the scuttle hole, located directly over one of the rooms in the Oakes home.
The grand jury had returned a true bill against Royal Oakes for murder. Solicitor J.C. Bower, of Lexington however, did not ask for a verdict of first degree murder, pressing instead the charge of manslaughter.
Pistol Smashed to Pieces
States Gamble, who at a previous court was acquitted on the charge of the murder of Mack Cpry (Opry?) in this city, was fined $100 for carrying a concealed weapon. He admitted his guilt on the latter charge. “Sheriff,” said Judge Harding, “take that pistol to a blacksmith shop and have it smashed into pieces and bring the pieces back here. That pistol has killed one man; it will never kill another.”
Other Cases
At the court term which ended Friday afternoon sentences aggregating 18 years on the county roads were meted out and two state prison sentences imposed total nine years.
Charlie Holt, a white man, was sentenced to two years in state prison on following his conviction on a charge of larceny. He also was convicted of having been drunk and disorderly, and prayer for judgment was continued as to that charge.
Jesse Ball, who was convicted of false pretense and given his option as to paying the cost, together with payment of a $25 debt and a $50 fine, or serving 10 months on the county roads, was ordered to the roads when he reported inability to produce the money.
Henry Kersey, who pleaded guilty to a charge of manufacturing whiskey, was fined $500 and the cost. At one time he appeared to be a certain prospect for a sentence of one year on the roads, but when Thomas J. Gold, his counsel, made a plea for the defendant and evidence of good character was presented, the fine was imposed and the road sentence averted upon condition of good behavior.
Blue Sky Operators Fined
M.A. Huffman and J.F. Keeling were convicted by the jury of selling stock without license. Each was fined $200, together with his share of the cost. The two men were arrested in this city by Deputy Insurance Commissioner W.A. Scott after they tried to sell him and other Greensboro people stock in a real estate enterprise said to be owned by the New York Miami Syndicate, Inc. License had not been issued for the two Blue Sky operators or the syndicate.
Nol pros with leave was ordered in the case against Etta Reid, who was alleged to have had whiskey for sale. Similar action was taken as to Nola Agee, charged with immoral vagrancy.
Gus Stepp, who was convicted of the larceny of clothes, was sentenced to eight months on the county roads. At first he was given an opportunity to pay the cost of the case, approximately $130, but could not secure the money, he said.
C.J. Doty was ordered to serve three months on the county roads for an assault.
Colon Langley received a road sentence of three months for an assault.
George Iseley and Edward Iseley were convicted of an assault with a deadly weapon and each was ordered to pay a fine of $100 and the cost. For resisting an officer each drew a road sentence of one year. The defendants were notified that upon payment of the cost in that case their release could be effected, capias to be issued by the solicitor at the end of judgment. Edward Iseley was fined $100 and the cost for carrying a concealed weapon.
Lonnie Jackson, a negro, was convicted of forging the name of C.B. Smith to a check for $15. John Randolph, a negro, was found guilty of forging C.M. Tucker’s name to an order for groceries. Each was sentenced to eight months on the highways of the county.
Only five acquittals were witnessed at last week’s term of court, those being Clarence Schoolfield, charged with forgery; Colon Fox, forgery; Rebecca Trent, retailing whiskey; Colon Langley, carrying a concealed weapon; and George Holland, larceny.
Milton Stafford, 20 years of age, who was convicted of forgery, was placed in custody of H.W. Lambeth of the Monticello section. The young fellow will remain in Mr. Lambeth’s custody until reaching the age of 21, working on the Lambeth farm. Mr. Lambeth informed the court that he would treat Milton as one of his own children.
From the front page of The Greensboro Patriot, Aug. 21, 1922
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